So in a non-baby related post (well, she'll make an appearance, have no fear), there's been some attention on my neighborhood lately because of coyotes. Since we moved into the neighborhood 3 years ago, I've heard coyotes in the greenbelt behind our house several times, but I've only ever seen a coyote once, and it was nowhere near our house.
Well, a local news station was poking around out here recently, because people are now claiming that they've been seeing coyotes lurking around in daylight hours (if you know nothing about coyotes, they're predominantly nocturnal) on streets that I frequently walk with Oscar and Riley (see, I told you she'd make an appearance somehow).
Naturally, I've now convinced myself I'm going to get eaten by a coyote on my morning walks, which is probably absurd. And having Oscar with me will be no help, as I'm sure his wimpy ass would be the first one out of there if confronted by a coyote. So that would leave me, Miss Riley and an incredibly lightweight stroller that I'm sure a coyote could take out without hesitation.
So my new fear is not that Oscar will get eaten, because as I said, I'm sure he'd be out of there so fast, the coyote wouldn't stand a chance. But what would happen if one did attack me? What would I do? Would my instincts really kick in to throw myself in harm's way to protect Riley? What if I'm as bad as Oscar and under pressure tell her 'good luck kid, we've had a good run' and throw the stroller at the coyote?
Ok, guessing I won't actually do that, and I'm sure coyotes are a long way from actually attacking humans in broad daylight hours on busy streets. But I do need to point out some funny points of the news story. I honestly think they talked to the oldest of all geezers here in Steiner Ranch to get some of these quotes:
"Some furry critters are making themselves at home in the Steiner Ranch area and neighbors say the animals are definitely not welcome."
"Furry critters"? What?! That's a term used for rabbits, mice, maybe squirrels. Not flesh eating predators.
"Linda Van Cleave is an animal lover and has lost eight cats to coyotes.
“For the first several I thought someone had taken them … then I actually caught one happening and that’s how I knew it was coyotes,” Van Cleave said."
Come on lady! What would possess people to take several of your mangy outdoor cats? Or, here's a thought: KEEP THE CATS INSIDE, MORON. That's horrible way for a cat to go; you should be ashamed of yourself for perpetuating the problem.
"Jean Denzel lives across the street from Van Cleave. Denzel uses her binoculars to watch coyotes get dangerously close to people as they walk along a path in Steiner Ranch."
Oh, Jean. Do you really expect us to believe that's what you're doing with those binoculars? Just watching potential coyote attacks on the trails? Are you warning people with the bullhorn I have no doubt is hanging next to your binoculars, or just letting them get attacked? Quit being a voyeur and go volunteer or something.
Stay tuned for more coyote news, but I have a feeling we'll be fine. If all else fails, I'm sure the roadrunners will take them out (yes, we do have those here in Texas as well).
3 comments:
oh my! what a loser my wife is for coming up with that title.
What, no bears in Steiner Ranch? :) I like the title however your scary neighbor w/binoculars worries me more....Suz (random LAF coworker)
I wondered if you'd come out of hiding, Jeff said you were reading but hesitant to comment. :) I need to look up that old lady and see where she lives and make sure my blinds are closed on that side of the house!
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